He is a four-year-old mutt from Chicago, Illinois named Walle. Part beagle, bassetand boxer, Walle's outsized head and noticeably humped back gave him the appearance of being "photo shopped" from several different dogs, said one judge.

Contest organizers say Walle's surprise win over 29 other canine contenders this year was a departure from previous winners, which have often included the Chinese Crested.

His owner, Tammie Barbee, says people sometimes come up to her and say the dog is "not right" but that she loves him anyway.

Walle took home $1,500 for winning the title of World's Ugliest Dog, prize money that Ms. Barbee said she will lavish on him.

He is scheduled to make several network television appearances next week, say contest organizers.